1m migrants skip UK driving test

MORE than one million foreign motorists who live in Britain are driving without having passed a UK test.

Many foreign motorists living in Britain are driving without having passed a UK test []

Figures show that 1.1 million UK licence holders have swapped their foreign licences for British licences since 1997.

Half of these licences were gained from countries which drive on the “wrong” side of the road, including Italy and Lithuania.

South Africa (149,897), Poland (135,079), Australia (103,052) and New Zealand (56,478) account for the most

drivers who swapped their licences.

The Freedom of Information Act figures were obtained by insurer Swiftcover.com from the Government’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority.

Insurers and driving experts are calling for compulsory formal training for foreign motorists before they can receive a UK licence.

We plan to close this loophole with a new law that could come in this year

A spokesman

Robin Reames, Swiftcover’s chief claims officer, said: “UK roads are very different to those overseas, so it’s vital new motorists learn as much as they can, which could include a few lessons from an instructor.”

The DVLA said motorists who have a licence from certain countries outside the EU can legitimately drive in the UK for up to 12 months, before converting to a UK licence without requiring extra lessons or a re-test.

However, a spokesman admitted the system is open to abuse.

He said: “We’ve heard of drivers exchanging a licence from a country we don’t recognise, say India, for a Hong Kong licence, then converting this licence to a UK one.

“We plan to close this loophole with a new law that could come in this year.”

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